In Hamburg, New York, Tony Cavallaro has endured a tumultuous week. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confiscated his beloved alligator, Albert, on Wednesday.
Cavallaro’s bond with Albert dates back to 1990 when he acquired the gator as a mere baby at a reptile show. Over the years, Cavallaro has regarded Albert as akin to a son. Now, in a show of solidarity, thousands have rallied behind Cavallaro by signing a petition urging the return of the 11-foot, 800-pound reptile.
Describing the distressing events of Wednesday, Cavallaro recounts how the DEC, supported by local police and the SPCA Serving Erie County, descended upon his home. They forcefully took his phone from him, denying him the chance to bid a proper farewell to his cherished companion, Albert.
“It was deeply distressing to witness the handling of the situation,” expressed Laura Lautner, a neighbor residing next door. “They simply loaded Albert onto the back of a cargo van and left him there,” she recounted with dismay.
It was deeply distressing to witness the handling of the situation,” expressed Laura Lautner, a neighbor residing next door. “They simply loaded Albert onto the back of a cargo van and left him there,” she recounted with dismay.
Previously, Cavallaro held a permit for Albert, which lapsed in 2021 and was not subsequently renewed. Despite Cavallaro’s attempts to renew it with the DEC, he asserts that they provided no clarification or response. “This responsibility falls squarely on them,” Cavallaro stated. “I should be exempted under grandfather clauses.
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DEC Seizes Hamburg Man’s Alligator; Charges Pending
According to the DEC, Cavallaro “allowed members of the public to enter the water to interact with the unsecured alligator.”
In response, Cavallaro clarified to 7 News that although children occasionally posed for photos with Albert in the background while in the pool, it was not a common occurrence.
“He doesn’t host alligator gatherings or parties,” Lautner remarked. “He’s simply a kind-hearted individual who cares deeply for his alligator and treats it with kindness.”
In Hamburg, New York, Tony Cavallaro has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions this week as the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) seized his alligator, Albert. Albert, whom Cavallaro affectionately regards as a son, was acquired as a baby from a reptile show in 1990. Now, thousands have joined a petition advocating for the return of the 11-foot, 800-pound gator to its home.
Accounts from Cavallaro and his neighbor, Laura Lautner, shed light on the distressing manner in which Albert was removed from Cavallaro’s property. The DEC, supported by local law enforcement and the SPCA Serving Erie County, executed the seizure on Wednesday, preventing Cavallaro from bidding farewell to his beloved companion.
The situation is compounded by the expiration of Cavallaro’s permit for Albert in 2021, which was not renewed despite his attempts to rectify the matter with the DEC. Cavallaro contends that the DEC failed to provide clear guidance or responses regarding the renewal process.
Amidst these events, allegations have surfaced regarding public interactions with Albert, with the DEC accusing Cavallaro of allowing individuals to enter the water and interact with the alligator. Cavallaro acknowledges that children have occasionally posed for photos with Albert near the pool but denies hosting gatherings or parties involving the reptile.
In response to the DEC’s allegations, Cavallaro argues that he should be exempted under grandfather clauses and expresses disappointment with the handling of the situation.
The DEC, however, maintains its stance, emphasizing that even if the owner possessed the appropriate license, public contact with the animal is prohibited and grounds for license revocation and relocation of the animal.
“I’m Albert’s father, plain and simple,” expressed Cavallaro. “He’s considered family by everyone.”
In 2016, the Hamburg resident constructed a dedicated room for Albert, complete with a pool and a waterfall.
“Albert is incredibly tranquil and gentle,” remarked Lautner. “He doesn’t stray from his habitat. He spends his time swimming in the pool, lounging on the deck, enjoying his chicken meals, and causing no trouble to anyone.”
According to the DEC, Albert was reportedly blind and had a spinal issue. However, Cavallaro showed Michael Schwartz from 7 News the medication he had been administering to Albert’s eyes, refuting claims of blindness. Cavallaro also asserted that Albert moved and swam without any issues, and he had never observed any spinal problems.
Lautner recounted the events of Wednesday, expressing dismay at the lack of sensitivity displayed by some individuals. “There were people making jokes and laughing,” she said. “I asked them, ‘Do you find this amusing? This is someone’s beloved pet.'”
The DEC stated that Albert has been handed over to a licensed caretaker and will subsequently be relocated for long-term care. They added that any potential charges would be determined after further analysis of evidence seized during the operation and consultation with a licensed veterinarian.
Cavallaro informed 7 News that he anticipates being charged with a violation but has not yet received a court date or any further information on the matter.